Most of the time, the victims of clergy sexual abuse keep silent because the perpetrator usually silences them through manipulation and lies. The pastor will plead for forgiveness, gain sympathy by stating the consequences of exposure, and threaten or offer privileges to the victim.
However, if the victims do speak up against their abuser to someone else in the congregation, they are usually denounced as liars and enemies of the church, or blamed and condemned for the pastor's fall. Therefore, the victims' abuse continues by other church leaders and Christians who turn a blind eye to this sexual sin or try to protect the sexually abusive pastor by covering up for him/her. When Christians do this, they then become partners with the abuser, instead of protectors of people.
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,
or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,
because these are improper for God's holy people.
Nor should there be obscenity,
foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place,
but rather thanksgiving.
For of this you can be sure:
No immoral, impure or greedy person
---such a person is an idolater---
has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of such things
God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Therefore do not be partners with them."
Ephesians 1:5-7 (NIV)
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